But limits on key commuter routes could be controversially increased from 30 to 40mph as part of the scheme.

The poll, by road safety charity Brake and Allianz Insurance, found more than four in five people thought traffic travelled too fast on local roads.

Brake was today taking its GO 20 campaign to Parliament, calling on MPs to support the introduction of 20mph as the default urban speed limit.

It said areas where 20mph limits had been introduced had seen casualty rates fall, with Portsmouth recording a 22 per cent dip in casualties and Camden in London seeing crashes reduce by 54 per cent.

Brake deputy chief executive Julie Townsend said: “The GO 20 campaign is about defending everyone’s right to walk and cycle freely without being endangered, whether it’s to get to work, school, the shops, or just getting out and being active.

“We need to tackle the senseless and violent casualties that continue to happen daily on our roads, and we need to enable people to live healthy, active, social lives.

“It’s clear that 20mph limits in communities can help bring this about - and it’s clear this is what people want. “

Allianz Insurance chief executive Jon Dye said: “Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of reducing the urban speed limit to 20mph and this should act as a powerful force for change.